MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. (5/30/13) – The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department has arrested six individuals on various drug offenses in the last two weeks. The offenses range from fraudulently obtaining prescriptions to selling prescription medications to conspiring to sell large amounts of crystal methamphetamine.

In early 2013, detectives with the Drug Division were investigating several individuals who were illegally selling prescription medication. One of those individuals was Marcus Hamm, 32 years old, of Paducah, KY. The investigation showed that Hamm sold doses of Oxycodone on at least two different occasions. Hamm was indicted by the McCracken County Grand Jury for two counts of Trafficking a Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st Offense and was arrested in May of 2013.

In March, 2013, detectives continued to investigate the trafficking of prescription medication when they received a tip from a citizen regarding Kari Petty and Ronald Farris. Detectives began an investigation immediately after receiving the tip and were able to corroborate the tipster’s information. During the investigation, it was learned that Kari Petty was obtaining the prescription medication of her husband, Michael Petty, and then selling the medication to Ronald Farris, 53 years old of Paducah, KY. Detectives also learned that Michael Petty knew his wife was selling his medication and that he was benefiting from it. Kari Petty, 41 years old of Paducah, KY, was arrested on March 15, 2013. Michael Petty, 31 years old and also of Paducah, was arrested in May, 2013 as was Ronald Farris. Michael Petty was indicted by the McCracken County Grand Jury for Complicity to Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degrees. Ronald Farris was indicted for Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st and 2nd Degrees as well as Illegal Possession of a Legend Drug. Kari Petty was arrested and charges with Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Degrees.

Detectives also received a tip alleging that Kenneth Dalton of Kevil, KY had illegally obtained his mother’s prescription medication while his mother was in a nursing home. Detectives with the Drug Division opened an investigation and learned that Dalton had illegally obtained his mother’s Oxycodone on two separate occasions. Dalton then transferred the controlled substances to a woman who was his girlfriend at the time. In May, 2103, the McCracken County Grand Jury indicted Dalton, 46 years old, for two counts of Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Fraud and one count of Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st Degree. Dalton was arrested on May 16, 2013.

Detectives also addressed concerns from several citizens who had stated that crack cocaine is becoming an increasing problem. In April and May, 2013, detectives began several investigations into the trafficking of Crack Cocaine in Paducah.

Randolph Robinson was indicted by the McCracken County Grand Jury after an investigation by detectives determined that he was selling crack cocaine in Paducah. Robinson was indicted on one count of Trafficking Controlled Substance (crack cocaine) 2nd Offense and was arrested on May 17, 2013.

Detectives also began an investigation regarding Roger Duckworth, 26 years old, and Keenan Martin, 21 years old, (both of Paducah) selling crack cocaine. During the investigation detectives learned that Duckworth and Martin were selling crack cocaine in corroboration during April and May, 2013. Martin was located and arrested on May 24, 2013 and charged with Trafficking Controlled Substance (cocaine) 1st Offense. Detectives are still actively searching for Duckworth and would appreciate any help the public can provide.

Detectives also arrested Jose Jimenez, 32 years old, of Batesville, AR, for Conspiracy to Traffic Methamphetamine. During the investigation regarding Jimenez, detectives learned that Jimenez was in close contact with individuals in Mexico and was involved in the trafficking of large amounts of methamphetamine. Detectives received information that Jimenez was directed to drive to Paducah on May 15, by an individual in Mexico, to deliver four pounds of methamphetamine. Jimenez was located at a residence on Fisher Road in West Paducah and was taken into custody. Evidence indicating the trafficking of large quantities of methamphetamine was located during the arrest. Four other Hispanic individuals from Arkansas were also located at the residence but were later released. Jimenez was charged lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail on a $100,000 bond.

Individuals with information pertaining to the whereabouts of Duckworth are asked to contact crime stoppers at 270-443-TELL. Those with information leading to an arrest could receive a cash reward of up to $1000.